Health officials have identified a probable case of the H1N1 flu
virus in a Rancho San Justo Middle School student. Health and
school officials plan to keep the school open as long as there are
not signs it has spread there. Superintendent Ron Crates also noted
how the infected student had not been at school ‘for a while’
before the confirmation.
HOLLISTER
Health officials have identified a probable case of the H1N1 flu virus in a “school-age” child in San Benito County, according to a press statement from the county’s health and human services department.
Hollister School District Superintendent Ron Crates confirmed that the student attends Rancho San Justo Middle School. He declined to confirm a grade level, but noted how he or she had been out of school “for a while” before getting the virus.
Crates said he was informed of an H1N1 “confirmation” late this afternoon and at about 6 p.m., he sent a message to parents across the district’s autodial phone system informing them a student at Rancho had a confirmed case of the H1N1 flu. He called all faculty members to tell them as well, he said.
As for what he called the “protocol” against closing schools, Crates said the district takes “the lead from the health department.”
Crates will hold a meeting with faculty members Wednesday morning to address the situation. He noted how the health department will examine whether any other kids at the school came in contact with the victim.
The statement did not indicate the child’s age. It notes that San Benito County health officials no longer are recommending school closures for positive identification of the flu strain.
“We are following the CDC’s recommendation not to close schools if there is one student identified with the confirmed case,” said public health information officer Samela Perez in the statement. “Because the H1N1 flu appears to be less severe than initially feared, we believe that school closures are no longer necessary. However, we continue to stress the importance that anyone who is sick stay home and we urge people to continue practicing universal precautions.”
Look back for an update Wednesday.
